England squad numbers for World Cup announced

The England squad numbers for the World Cup have been revealed.

As usual with the England managers, it should give us a good indication on who will be in the starting eleven in ten days when England meet France in Moncton. Hope Powell used to give the shirt from 1 to 11 to her starting eleven players. We will see if Mark Sampson is as rigid as her with his choices.

Karen Louise Bardsley GK

Favourite to be starter despite poor Euros performance and not very impressive for her club in 2014 and 2015.

Alexandra Virina Scott DF

Favourite to start at right back despite strong competition from Lucy Bronze who has performed better than her at club level last year. Bronze is selected at centre back for England, so Scott should get the nod.

Claire Lauren Rafferty DF

The Chelsea left-back is in contention for a place in the starting 11 coming back right on time from her third ACL injury. She ousted Demi Stokes from the WWC squad who was the regular left back during the qualification games.

Fara Tanya Franki Williams MF

An unusual middle name for the deep lying midfield player whose place in under threat from Katie Chapman, as her game is less on the physical side that the Chelsea player

Stephanie Jayne Houghton DF

The England captain is coming back from injury and should start tonight in the friendly v Canada and should be the first name on the team sheet against France.

Laura Bassett DF

The Notts County defender is the first choice back-up at center if Bronze or Houghton are unavailable.

Jordan Nobbs MF

The Arsenal box to box player will be one of the first name on the teamsheet and is now England vice-captain.

Jill Louise Scott MF

Despite keeping the number 8 shirt, she seems to have lost her place in the number 8 position to Jordan Nobbs, but tactical configuration might see her back in the starting 11 during the tournament.

Eniola Aluko FW

The Chelsea winger was used as a centre forward in the previous two World Cup and her current record is 0 goal. She has improved a lot from those days and should break her duck.

Karen Julia Carney MF

The Birmingham playmaker can play either in the 10 or on both wings and is one of the rare England player with a strong technical and creative side.

Jade Ellis Moore MF

A former u19 Euros winner, she is expected to be a back-up in midfield and not to see much playing time.

Lucia Roberta Tough Bronze DF

Another unusual middle name, with family hailing from Portugal . Lucy is the best English right back but will start at center back. A position she was a regular with English Youth teams.

Siobhan Rebecca Chamberlain GK

The Arsenal goalkeeper is likely to sit on the bench during the tournament and has been unlucky not have been given a proper chance, when her competitors did not perform for long periods. Her lack of club game time is not a good news.

Alex Greenwood DF

The Notts County left back is the form player with a goal and five assists in the League. She could claim a place in the starting 11 and can also cover at centre back.

Casey Jean Stoney DF

The Arsenal defender will probably not see any game time during the tournament but has an important role off the pitch with her experience. Otherwise it would have been more logical to select younger centre back who have been performing consistently for their clubs for many seasons.

Katie Sarah Chapman MF

The Chelsea defensive midfielder is back after retiring due to childcare problems with the previous manager. There are not many better player in her role as she is string physically and reads the game well and brings a lot of experience.

Josanne Potter MF

The Birmingham midfielder has a great left foot and can come in to do a job if called upon. She might be a starter depending on the team’s tactical configuration ie midfield three, diamond or flat midfield four.

Toni Duggan FW

The youngster has come back from injury and is one of the biggest talent available to Mark Sampson. With rotation expected to happen for the forward places, she will certainly have a big say if England want to go far in the competition.

Jodie Lee Taylor FW

The Portland forward was also one of those frozen by the previous manager. She is coming back from injury and will see game time during the tournament

Lianne Joan Sanderson FW

The Arsenal forward is another one who has un-retired after disagreements with Hope Powell, she can play as the main striker or in attacking midfield positions.

Carly Mitchell Telford GK

She deserves to be England ‘s number one in current form and potential. Has been consistent for club and offers at lot athletically while her kicking is excellent.

Francesca Kirby FW

The breakthrough player for England, can do a lot of with pace and runs. Should be a starter during the tournament.

Ellen Toni White FW

She has just come back from an ACL and has performed well in the FA WSL. Very versatile, she can play up front or on the wing.

Following the Arsenal Ladies since 2004/05. Arsenal LFC season ticket holder since they appeared in 2006/07. Likely to be found watching women's football every week-end all over England... and the world. I am also a silver member